Town striker Tom Craddock has reiterated his desire to stay at Kenilworth Road and help fire the club he's fallen in love with back into the Football League at the first attempt.

And the 22-year-old - who signed permanently from Middlesbrough in January following a successful loan spell - has no regrets after upping sticks and moving down south to join the Hatters.

"I signed a two-and-a-half year contract," said Craddock. "I'm six months into that and I'm staying here until somebody tells me otherwise.

"I came down here to play games and to score goals. I am enjoying it and to be honest it doesn't bother me living away from home.

"I've learned a lot since joining and my body is now used to playing three games a week: it's better than playing in the reserves."

The Darlington-born striker couldn't have picked a more extraordinary season to join a club sitting 92nd in the Football League but Craddock admits his affection for the club grew stronger after his initial loan spell ended.

He said: "After my loan ended and I returned to Middlesbrough with my injury, all the lads, the gaffer, the coaches and the board kept in contact with me.

"I thought that was fantastic support - it was brilliant - and it was a reason why I decided to come back. It was an easy decision.

"Compared to Middlesbrough they all had faith in me and they told me I had something to offer."

Despite relegation to the Conference the striker - who netted 12 times in 30 appearances in Town colours - still has a Johnstone's Paint Trophy medal and Wembley goal to treasure.

And while Craddock concedes next season's challenge in Non-League's top flight will be difficult, he is confident that the Hatters' passing game can result in an instant return to League football.

He said: "When I was out injured training at Lilleshall some of the lads I was with were playing in the Conference and they said the standard isn't as bad as everyone thinks.

"There are a lot of teams who are physical but there are teams who can play football too.

"I think we are more than good enough to come straight back and up and go higher.

"Look at Exeter. They came up last year and when they came to Kenilworth Road earlier in the season they played us off the park in the first 25 minutes.

"They were the best footballing team to come here and that's something we need to try and do next season.

"This season we all believed we were the best team in the league despite the 30-point deduction."

With a busy and bizarre season over with and a rollercoaster one in prospect starting in August, the striker will be having a quiet close season.

He said: "I'll back taking it easy. I'll have a good rest, a good sleep and go home and see my family."